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Sunday, January 5, 2014

YOU'RE NEXT (Blu-ray) - Unmask the Animal-faced Blu-ray

You’re Next is coming to Blu-ray/DVD/Ultra-Violet on January
14th. That means you have a few more days to either pre-order it,
enter our contest to win a copy or figure out just how you’re going to add this
really cool movie to your collection. It has meaningful extras that provide
insight into the film, shot selection, use of computer graphics and playful
commentary that seeks to endear a fan base that is surely to be full of heart
for this movie.

Synopsis from Lionsgate:

When a gang of masked, ax-wielding murderers descend upon the Davison family reunion, the hapless victims seem trapped...until an unlikely guest of the family proves to be the most talented killer of all.

I’ve reviewed the actual movie once before, and you can find
my overwhelmingly positive review HERE. This time through, at home, I
definitely felt the home invasion intensity and it doesn’t feel overstated.
Wingard and Barrett were influenced by The Strangers (among other movies),
and it shows. They used lessons from that and other home invasion films to keep
you looking out your own windows while remembering to allow that movie to feel
realistic. Sure there’s a bunch o’ fellas running around in animal masks, but
they’re human, shown to be human and mortal. Keeping the attackers
predominantly silent through the act and half are important to establishing a
sense of dread. The suspense builds like a tension rod in your back waiting for
each slick trick kill to come to fruition as if pre-destined and
unchangeable. It’s that kind of build up
that makes the comedy of the second half of the film work so well (and spots of
comedy in the first act). As an audience member, you’re looking for relief from
the tension. In the comfort of your own home, the suspense and fear from both
the movie and your own mind can generate is into an ecstatic frenzy. It’s
amplified. It’s wonderful. It’s genuine
and makes both physical moments of comedy, intentional and unintentional, as
well as some of the more violent and creative kills that much more effective.

While I truly enjoyed this movie in the theater, I feel it works better at home when there
aren’t a pile of strangers in a theater talking amongst themselves. The small
screen does seem to emphasize some of the camera shake that made watching this
movie a bit trying at times. I understand how it was being utilized to amplify
that sense of agitation, but it isn’t my preference to have camera shake when
the scene doesn’t seem to require it i.e. when you’re simply staring at an unmoving
character. I suppose my brain was
partially put to rest when you listen to why Wingard shot it that way, and as
long as you’re watching it at a proper distance and not on a smaller device you
shouldn’t really notice it. The film looks great, but I’d recommend watching it
in a dark room. It’s a dark movie (that is NOT a bad thing) and lights will
detract from your viewing experience especially if they reflect off your TV. I
speak from experience.

As for extras, the making of featurette, “No Ordinary Home
Invasion: The Making of You’re Next” is absolutely fun. Maybe it’s because I
think that this cast, crew, writing and directing team are some pretty awesome
people, but I like to get to know them better. It’s just long enough and will
help you gain a better appreciation for the movie. The commentary tracks will
also help you find the insight you may be looking for as to why these fellas
chose certain scenes or even what they had originally planned for the movie. Again,
Wingard and Barrett are interesting dudes. Listen to them. Learn from them.
Laugh with them. Then of course there’s the second commentary track with
Barrett, Wingard, Barbara Crampton (we’re ecstatic that you came out of
retirement for this) and Sharni Vinson (we want to see you in more horror
movies Ms. Vinson)… you guys are in for a treat. There’s an obligatory trailer.

And no… no one knows where to find one of those goddamn
masks, and Ebay can suck it! One of the few regrets I have from this past year
was passing up a mask from a dear friend
because I was told I had won one… then poof… into the land of mystery.
It never arrived and my Halloween costume was spoiled.

Notes: 16x9, 2.35:1, 1080P Hi-Def. 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

The word on the street is that horror people dig this movie.
It made my top ten list for the year (not yet posted and unsure of the order
yet). You’re going to want to show your friends this movie. You’re going to
want to lend it out. It’s just that fun
and refreshing.

From the bowels and brains of American International to the rib cage and eye sockets of Amicus, Doc Terror will write your eyes shut from the prehistory to the post apocalypse of horror.Doc Terror is a contributor to The Liberal Dead and The Dead Air Podcast.